BSc Botany Major Modules

Botany is offered as one of the major subjects for a 3 or 4 year BSc degree in the Faculty of Science. CEM01A1 or CEM1AC1 or CEM2EC1, CEM3EC1 and CEM01B1 or CEM1DB1 are compulsory modules for Botany as a major. The following courses are offered as part of the qualification.

Plant Physiology (BOT02B2) and Plant Taxonomy (BOT03B3) may only be taken in the same year with the approval of the Head of Department.

Practicals:
BOT01B1 = 1 x 3 hour per week
BOT02A2 = 1 x 7 hour per week
BOT02B2 = 1 x 7 hour per week
BOT03A3 = 1 x 7 hour per week
BOT03B3 = 1 x 7 hour per week

The relative weightings for determining the module mark applied to theory and practical assessments are: (Theory: Practical)
BOT01B1 70:30
BOT02A2 no separate mark for theory and practicals
BOT02B2 60:40
BOT03A3 60/30/10 (last 10% for the assignment)
BOT03B3 50:50

Attendance at practical classes is compulsory. Absence from a practical class will only be condoned on presentation of a very good reason substantiated by a certificate from an acceptable source, this certificate to be submitted to the department within 5 working days. Any student absent from a practical class without permission will not be permitted entry to the final assessment opportunity.

Plant Diversity (BOT01B1)
Year 1 – Semester 2 – NQF level 5
The primary purpose of this module is to provide students with a well-rounded and broad education that equips them with knowledge to identify, name and classify plants, study vegetative features and use appropriate terminology useful in the identification of (flowering) plants and have a basic understanding of the major groups of vascular and non-vascular plants and basic ecological concepts.

Plant Anatomy & Cytology (BOT02A2)
Year 2 – Semester 1 – NQF level 6
The primary purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the structure and function of plant cells, tissues and organs, and to become familiar with basic light microscopic techniques applicable to investigations of plant material especially for identification purposes. This will equip students with knowledge of anatomy and cytology fundamental to all botanical studies.

Plant Physiology (BOT02B2)
Year 2 – Semester 2 – NQF level 6
The purpose of this module, as an integral part of the Life and Environmental Science programme, is to provide the student with a well-rounded and broad education that equips them with a theoretical and practical knowledge base in plant physiology that could serve as a basis for entry into postgraduate studies in plant physiology.

Plant Biotechnology (BOT03A3)
Year 3 – Semester 1 – NQF level 7
The primary purpose of this module, as an integral part of the BSc qualification, is to provide students with a well-rounded and broad education that equips them with the scientific knowledge base, theory and methodology of Plant Biotechnology that could serve as a basis for entry into postgraduate studies or as a research scientist in the field of biology and the life sciences.

Plant Taxonomy (BOT03B3)
Year 3 – Semester 2 – NQF level 7
The primary purpose of this module, as an integral part of Life and Environmental Sciences, is to provide students with a well-rounded and broad education that equips them with the necessary taxonomic, nomenclatural and floristic knowledge base, theory and methodology. Participation in one extended excursion is compulsory for all students in the module.